Indian Grandmaster D. Gukesh made history on Thursday, December 12, by becoming the youngest-ever classical chess world champion at the age of 18. In a dramatic 14th and final game of the World Chess Championship held in Singapore, Gukesh defeated reigning champion Ding Liren to claim the coveted title. This victory also makes Gukesh only the second Indian, after the legendary Viswanathan Anand, to secure the world championship crown in classical chess.

By achieving this milestone, Gukesh broke the longstanding record of Garry Kasparov, who had become the youngest world champion at 22 in 1985. Gukesh is now the 18th player in history to hold the title of undisputed classical world chess champion.

A Dramatic Finale

Heading into the decisive 14th game, Gukesh and Ding were tied with 6.5 points each. Ding, playing with the white pieces, seemed poised to force a draw, but a critical error on his 53rd move turned the tide. Gukesh’s relentless strategy and ability to maintain pressure led to the reigning champion's unforced mistake, ultimately sealing Ding's fate.

Despite initial predictions of a draw from chess experts, including Viswanathan Anand, Gukesh took a bold risk by extending the endgame. His calculated approach and precise moves paid off, leaving Ding unable to recover. Gukesh clinched the title with a final score of 7.5–6.5, securing his place in chess history.

An Emotional Victory

Gukesh was visibly emotional as the match concluded. Moments after Ding’s blunder, Gukesh briefly stepped away for a water break, returning with a smile that soon gave way to tears of joy. Ding conceded shortly thereafter, formally handing over the world championship to the young Indian prodigy.

Reflecting on his achievement, Gukesh described it as "the best day of my life."

A Journey of Resilience

The championship match had its share of ups and downs for Gukesh. After losing the opening game to Ding, he bounced back to win the third game. The following seven games ended in draws, but Gukesh delivered a stunning performance in Game 11 to take the lead. Ding responded with an exceptional victory in Game 12, leveling the score once again. The penultimate game, Game 13, ended in a draw, setting the stage for the dramatic finale.

A Year to Remember

Gukesh’s rise to the top has been nothing short of extraordinary. Earlier this year, he became the youngest-ever challenger to the world title after winning the Candidates Tournament. He also played a key role in leading India to its first-ever gold medal in the Chess Olympiad.

With this historic triumph, D. Gukesh has cemented his place among the chess greats, marking the beginning of what promises to be a remarkable career.